After reading my Sewing Machine Meme post, my husband decided that he wanted to buy me a new machine. Yay!
He was planning on getting me the Janome MC6600 but, after doing some research, I decided that I would rather have the 1600p, which is a super-fast machine (1600 stitches per minute!) designed especially for quilting. My local dealer didn't have any, but they did have this Viking Mega Quilter, which is apparently the same machine as the Janome 1600p (and the Pfaff Grand Quilter).
It has a knee-lifter for the presser foot, an automatic thread cutter and an auto needle-down function -- all things that I really wanted. It also has one of those extender tables for quilting and a screw-on seam allowance guide that looks pretty useful.
The best thing? The machine was being sold as a package deal with this awesome quilting frame! I'll admit that I'm a little scared of it right now, but I tried it out in the store and loved it. It came with a laser pointer guide that can be used with pantographs (I'll be the first to admit that I'm more likely to use it to torture my cats) and a stitch regulator that plugs into your machine and is supposed to keep your stitch length consistent, regardless of speed.
I have a couple of projects to finish this weekend, so I'm not going to have a chance to try any of this out until next week. I'm very excited though!
Thank you so much to Chris for the awesome gift, and to my sister, Sarah, and her giant car for helping me bring it home from the store!
Yowza! Those both look amazing. Have fun! Let us know how you like them.
Posted by: Meg | July 18, 2009 at 12:04 PM
don't be scared!! i own this machine!!! i'll help you in any way you need... you are gonna love it!
Posted by: jaybird | July 18, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Oohh - new toys! How wonderful is your husband?! How wonderful. You are one lucky bunny. (That frame does look a little scary!)
Posted by: Jo | July 18, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Congratulations - how exciting...yes, the frame does look a little scary but I'm sure you'll figure it out and be inspiring us all in no time!
Posted by: Amber | July 18, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Congratulations... I'm so happy for you! I am anxious to see all that these help you create!
Posted by: karen | July 18, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Whoa! That thing is a little intimidating! But think of the fun you'll have playing with it! Please let us know how you like it as you use it.
Posted by: Joan Callaway | July 18, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Congrats! What an awesome hubby you have! I am extremely happy for you! You are going to have so much fun!
Posted by: Trisha | July 18, 2009 at 01:02 PM
My husband can take a class with your husband as a teacher :)
What a great gift!
Posted by: Annika | July 18, 2009 at 01:16 PM
I'm very interested in hearing about this set-up (especially the frame). I'd love for you to do more posts on this as you go through the process. Your blog is one of my FAVORITES!
Posted by: Karen E. | July 18, 2009 at 01:19 PM
You lucky girl!!
But you sure did earn it
Posted by: Isa | July 18, 2009 at 01:20 PM
Wow, congrats! I've never seen one of those frames either. You'll have to post pics as you use it--on quilts or cats!
Posted by: Nancy | July 18, 2009 at 01:23 PM
I'm having a serious case of quilters envy!!
Enjoy.
Andi :-)
Posted by: andi | July 18, 2009 at 01:38 PM
I. AM. SO. JEALOUS.
congratulations! what a beautiful machine!
Posted by: Sam | July 18, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Congratulations! What a sweet husband! My friend has a Mega Quilter and she raves about it all the time. The frame looks a little frightening, but you'll be cranking out masterpieces on it in no time!
Posted by: Magnolia Bay Quilts | July 18, 2009 at 02:00 PM
What a fantastic deal, I am beyond jealous!
Have you mentioned anywhere what color you painted your walls? I love that color!
Posted by: Jeanette | July 18, 2009 at 02:07 PM
Amazing but it definitely went to the right person and I'm excited to see what you produce with the new setup. Enjoy!
Posted by: Marielle | July 18, 2009 at 02:34 PM
Oh my what a great pressie! I need to show this to my husband so that by X'mas he'll understand I'd like a quilting machine :) Hee! Btw my studio walls are that same sort of blue!
Posted by: Audrie | July 18, 2009 at 02:36 PM
WOW! That is awesome. I am quite jealous, mostly because even though I could buy one, I'd have no place to put it. Alas...
Posted by: Mary P | July 18, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Congratulations! This machine looks awesome. I'm totally jealous!
Posted by: Katie B | July 18, 2009 at 02:57 PM
Congrats. That's awesome. Your husbands a keeper. I can't wait to see all your new creations on your knew sewing machine.
Posted by: m | July 18, 2009 at 02:58 PM
Congratulations - you're going to have so much fun! I have the Janome 1600P and a Little Gracie II frame. It took some adjustments to make it work properly, but once I figured out all of the tension issues (bobbin tension, top tension, AND fabric tension), I fell in love. I went through a few months of frustration, so if you want to skip some of the agony, check out the tips I posted about frame quilting.
http://piecemealquilts.wordpress.com/frame-quilting/
Posted by: Sandi | July 18, 2009 at 03:01 PM
oh yayyy!!!
how exciting!!!
:)
Posted by: rachel | July 18, 2009 at 03:09 PM
Ooooooooh if I steal your sewing machine meme and print it, do you think my husband will buy me one???
Posted by: Kathi D | July 18, 2009 at 03:47 PM
how scary exciting...
Posted by: jodie | July 18, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Wow, this looks so great!! Congrats on a great gift.
Posted by: May | July 18, 2009 at 03:49 PM